Cole Palmer transfer news: Chelsea view England international as 'untouchable' amid reported links to Man Utd
Cole Palmer is contracted at Chelsea until 2033; recent reports have suggested the England international was feeling unsettled in London and was open to a move to Manchester United; Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has expressed a preference for joining Chelsea
Tuesday 27 January 2026 19:55, UK
Chelsea consider Cole Palmer "untouchable" amid links with Manchester United.
Palmer is contracted until 2033 and is seen as a key player in the club's future.
Recent reports have suggested the England international was feeling unsettled in London and was open to a move to Manchester United in order to return to the north west, but Chelsea believe the player is happy at Stamford Bridge - as does head coach Liam Rosenior.
Asked if Palmer is 'untouchable' and happy at the club, Rosenior replied: "Yes and yes. It's simple.
"Cole's an incredible player like [Moises Caicedo] sitting next to me and many players in the group.
"I'm not surprised at the timing [of the rumours]. A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there's people are [looking to] unsettle. It's not true. Cole's here, he's very happy and I can't wait to see him on the pitch.
"There's no reason for an assurance [from Chelsea's directors]. It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere, there's nothing in it. There's no reason to have the conversation, that's where I'm at.
"Cole is very happy. We've had numerous conversations with him on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him - because he loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player.
"You can't stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth, there's not point having any discussion about it."
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Palmer's season has been hampered by injuries to his groin, toe and, most recently, thigh which caused him to miss Sunday's victory at Crystal Palace, but he returned to training on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League fixture at Napoli.
The 23-year-old has not provided an assist in the Premier League this season, scoring four goals in 12 league appearances, having netted 15 in 46 last term and providing 11 assists.
Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £40m deal in 2023, and has scored 41 goals and made 20 assists across his 81 league appearances for the Blues.
Jacquet prefers Chelsea move
Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has expressed a preference for joining Chelsea despite interest from multiple teams.
Talks are ongoing between the two clubs, with the Ligue 1 side wanting to keep the 20-year-old until the summer.
Jacquet has played 18 times for Rennes this season having been on loan at Clermont Foot in Ligue 2 last season.
Disasi exit expected
Axel Disasi is expected to leave Chelsea before the January transfer window closes.
Multiple clubs are interested in England, Germany, France and Italy, with West Ham an option.
Disasi had previously been surplus to requirements under Enzo Maresca, but has been training with the first team since the arrival of Liam Rosenior.
Sterling expected to leave this month
Chelsea are in talks with Raheem Sterling and his representatives, with it expected that he will no longer be at the club when the January transfer window closes.
Sterling has been training away from the first-team squad and still has 18 months left to run on a contract worth more than £300,000 a week.
The winger does not want to leave on another loan deal.
There is still time to find a potential permanent move or an agreement could be reached regarding his contract.
Jorgensen to stay at Chelsea
Filip Jorgensen is expected to remain at Chelsea in this window.
Chelsea's second-choice goalkeeper has been the subject of interest this month from clubs in England, Germany and Turkey, who are keen to offer him more regular football, but Chelsea are reluctant to let the Dane leave before next Monday's deadline.
Chelsea signed Jorgensen from Villarreal for £20.7m in July 2024.
Jorgensen played 24 times for Chelsea last season, predominantly in cup competitions, and was key to their Conference League success, but has been limited to just eight appearances this season.
Jorgensen suffered an injury against Pafos last week and was not pictured at Chelsea training on Tuesday morning.
